Serbia vs England, Euro 2024: Jude Bellingham scores the winner; Major talking points from SRB v ENG

England faced its first significant test in the Euro 2024 as they squared off against Serbia at the Arena AufSchalke on Sunday. As one of the tournament favourites, England had to overcome not just a resilient Serbian side but also the challenge of a depleted defence due to injuries and illness. Despite these hurdles, a solitary goal from Jude Bellingham secured a narrow but crucial victory for the Three Lions. Here are the major talking points from this captivating Group C encounter:

Serbia’s Early Setback: Kostić Injury Blow

Serbia suffered a significant blow early in the match when key player Filip Kostić was forced to leave the field due to an injury. Kostić’s injury disrupted Serbia’s plans and forced coach Dragan Stojković to bring in Filip Mladenovic as a substitute. Kostić, known for his pace and crossing ability, was a crucial component of Serbia’s attacking strategy, and his absence was keenly felt as Serbia struggled to find their rhythm against a well-organized England defence.

Harry Kane’s Historic Milestone

Despite a quiet start in terms of goal-scoring opportunities, Harry Kane made history by becoming England’s record male appearance maker in major international tournaments. The match against Serbia marked his 23rd appearance, surpassing the previous record held by Ashley Cole. Kane, now a Bayern Munich striker, had only one touch of the ball in the first 30 minutes, highlighting the tactical challenge posed by the Serbian defence. Nonetheless, his leadership and presence on the field remain invaluable to England’s campaign.

Saka’s Assist Showcases His Quality

Bukayo Saka continued to demonstrate his growing influence in the England squad with another impressive performance. Saka’s cross from the right wing in the 13th minute found Jude Bellingham, who converted with a powerful header to score the only goal of the match. This assist added to Saka’s remarkable record of 27 goal contributions in 24 starts for England, underlining his importance as a creative force for the team.

Bellingham’s Historic Feats

Jude Bellingham not only scored the winning goal but also etched his name into the history books with his performance. At just 20 years old, Bellingham became the first European player to make an appearance at three major international tournaments before turning 21, having previously featured in EURO 2020 and the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Additionally, he is the first player to score England’s opening goal at consecutive major tournaments while playing his club football outside of England.

Southgate Surpasses Sir Bobby Robson

The match against Serbia also marked a significant milestone for England’s manager, Gareth Southgate. By taking charge of his 96th game as England manager, Southgate surpassed the legendary Sir Bobby Robson, who managed 95 games. This achievement reflects Southgate’s steady tenure and the trust placed in him to guide England through multiple major tournaments.

England’s Opening Game Record

England’s victory over Serbia was only their second win in the opening games of the Euros since 1980. This statistic highlights England’s historical struggles to start strongly in the European Championships. Their previous opening game win came against Croatia in Euro 2020, thanks to a goal from Raheem Sterling. The win against Serbia, therefore, not only boosts their current campaign but also helps in overcoming the psychological hurdle associated with their opening game performances.

Trent-Alexander Arnold’s Midfield Role

In a tactical move, Gareth Southgate deployed Liverpool right-back Trent-Alexander Arnold in a midfield role alongside Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham. This decision paid off as Arnold brought his passing prowess and vision to the midfield, contributing to England’s control of the game. His ability to switch play and deliver precise passes added a new dimension to England’s midfield, demonstrating Southgate’s tactical flexibility and willingness to experiment with player positions.

 A Promising Start for England

England’s narrow win over Serbia was a testament to their resilience and ability to grind out results even when not at their best. Jude Bellingham’s historic goal, coupled with the defensive solidity and tactical adjustments by Gareth Southgate, set a positive tone for their Euro 2024 campaign. As England continues to navigate through the tournament, the lessons from this hard-fought victory will be crucial in their quest to lift the European Championship trophy.

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